Belgrade to Hold Biggest New Year's Eve Celebrations Ever

New Year's Eve celebrations in Belgrade are set to be the biggest and best yet, the city's mayor has promised. From December 30 to 31 some of the region's most famous musicians will perform outside the parliament building in Serbia's capital to welcome in 2017.

"All the regional stars will be in Belgrade," Belgrade's mayor, Sinisa Mali, said ahead of the performances. "Never before has Belgrade had so many events and so many musicians as we have prepared for the celebration of 2017."

Among the performers on December 30 will be the legendary Yugoslav rock band Bijelo Dugme and Belgrade folk star Aca Lukas. On December 31 rock bands Bajaga i Instruktori and Plavi Orkestar will be warming up the audiences ahead of the fireworks.

The display is expected to be even more spectacular than previous years. "Last year it lasted for around seven minutes, and this year it will be probably five or six times bigger" Mali said ahead of the celebrations.

Separate New Year's Eve events will also be held in the municipality of Zemun. So if you live on the other side of the Sava river then head to Zemun's Veliki Trg (Big Square) and enjoy the music of Serbian rock band Yu Grupa, as well as performances by several folk artists. The programme of acts kicks off on December 31st at 9pm and also includes a fireworks display that will start at midnight.

But don't worry: you don't have to wait until New Year's Eve to get into the festive spirit. Belgrade is already decorated with hundreds of lights and decorations ahead of the holidays, making a simple stroll around the city a real wintery delight.

If you need to do some Christmas shopping, then head to the Belgrade Winter Market in Trg Republike (Republic Square) to browse through a wide range of...